Despite the revelation that some accused offenders being electronically monitored were able to breach the system, former head of the government-appointed crime commission, Baptist Bishop Simeon Hall, said yesterday ankle bracelets are still proving to be successful tools in the crime fight.
"It is always most unfortunate when political aspirants overlook the good and give accent to only the bad," said Hall in a statement that came a day after the Progressive Liberal Party branded the breach an example of failed Ingraham administration policies.
Electronic monitoring was one of 44 recommendations the commission made.
The Nassau Guardian reported yesterday that 30 individuals being electronically monitored used foil paper to deactivate their bracelets for a period of time.
Currently, 219 people out on bail are being electronically monitored, according to Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest.
He said the people on bail who breached the system were brought before the courts for violating the conditions of their bail.
Police noticed the system was timing out last November, but only realized what was causing it in late January, Turnquest explained.
Hall said in his statement, "I understand that there are some 220 persons who are wearing the ankle bracelets and the 30 persons who were able to breach the system will still be under surveillance by the police.
"The Police Force in our Bahamas is doing a remarkable job and it is unfortunate when those who once served in that regal institution denigrate that organization.  In this growing criminal culture we must uphold the good and worth of our police."
Hall was referring directly to attorney Keith Bell, a former superintendent of police who was a guest on the Love 97 program "Issues of the Day" on Wednesday.
Bell said the seriousness of the breach goes as far as a 'monitored' suspect being able to commit murder while his tampered monitor is offline then return to his original position thereby possibly vindicating himself of any wrongdoing.
"This is another example, out of the mouth of the minister no less, of failed policies and procedures of this Free National Movement government, not just to keep the Bahamian people safe but possibly further aiding in the escalation of crime," the Progressive Liberal Party said in a statement on Wednesday.
But Hall said yesterday that ankle bracelets may not be perfect, but the use of them is a bold anti-crime idea.
"An 86 percent success rate in my opinion is progress," he said.

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